The order was incorporated into the Belgian honours system following the annexation of the Congo Free State by Belgium in 1908.

The central disc depicts the crowned Belgian lion on a blue enamel background surrounded by a silver ring with the motto of the Congo Travail et Progrès.

Reverse, similar to the obverse but with a central disc of red enamel with the crowned royal monogram "L/S/L" superimposed.

The medal is circular in gold, silver and bronze versions, with a suspension in the form of a royal crown with two pendilia and a ribbon ring.

The obverse shows a finely ribbed central area with bead surround, with a royal lion superimposed.